PODCAST: The Potential Of Detroit’s East Side With Josh Elling Of Jefferson East

One of the most interesting stories in Detroit is that of the lower east side of the city.

It’s more than 18 square miles, encompassing Lafayette Park, through Rivertown, The Villages, the Marina District and winds all the way to Jefferson Chalmers and the Grosse Pointe border.

It has amazing history, a sense of community, as well as residents and activists determined the make this part of town all it could be.

Daily Detroit Happy Hour host Sven Gustafson sat down with Josh Elling, the executive director of the nonprofit Jefferson East at Andrew’s. The conversation touched on active and future development projects like the historic Vanity Ballroom and other structures, how to redevelop a neighborhood in a truly inclusive manner, and how the community has worked together to face and address the challenges of the area.